Lagoon TODAY!: The Celebration Of A Century!

Twenty years ago, Lagoon was celebrating it's 100th birthday. It had only been open in Farmington since 1896, but the park traces its history back to Lake Park which opened on the shores of the Great Salt Lake in 1886. Still, many have wondered why "The Celebration Of A Century" was held a year late in 1987. Maybe the park just wasn't prepared in 1986, the same year the North Midway was expanded, the Flying Jets were fixed up and returned as the Flying Aces and the Flying Carpet was introduced. An April 1986 Deseret News article reported that Lagoon spent "more than $1 million this year to build the new rides and games and refurbish the park from top to bottom". That same article said, "the park will hold a relatively quiet observance of its 100th birthday July 15, and plans a magnificent celebration during the 1987 season". So it seems park officials acknowledged the correct year, but intentionally chose to celebrate in 1987 for whatever reason.

The most noteable additions to the park in 1987 were two new rides. A Huss Enterprise named Centennial Screamer was built on the South Midway in April and around Memorial Day, a Zierer Wave Swinger filled the gap in the skyline made by the removal of the old Rockets ride on the edge of the lake. A contest was held to come up with a name for the Wave Swinger and it became known as Turn Of The Century. Both rides still operate today. New restrooms were also constructed on each end of the Midway.

A giant cake was placed near the entrance and signs with historical information could be found around the park. Also included as part of the festivities was a daily drawing for a trip for two to any destination served by Morris Travel.